Overcoming obstacles to naturalization

Astier’s story is one of incredible resilience and the power of second chances. Born in Ethiopia, she faced hardship early on, battling a serious leg injury as a child. When her family moved to Hawaii, she found a new sense of belonging and thrived as a teenager.

Moving to San Francisco, Astier initially found success but then fell into a dark period of drug addiction. But even at her lowest point, she never gave up. In 1999, she turned her life around through a drug treatment program, and her dedication was so inspiring that she ended up working for the very agency that helped her. For five years, she was a guiding light for other women battling addiction.

In 2016, Astier decided to take the next step and become a U.S. citizen. She reached out to APILO, an organization dedicated to helping immigrants navigate the complexities of the legal system. It wasn’t easy – it took seven long years and a lot of paperwork. With APILO’s support, Astier faced her past head-on. This meant tracking down records from numerous past criminal cases, gathering character references to demonstrate her transformation, and crafting a compelling personal statement to showcase her good moral character. It was a long and often difficult process.

Her community was there for her every step of the way. Friends, family, and former employers all spoke to her incredible strength and kindness. Her niece, a doctor, even described Astier as her role model and the glue that holds their family together.

Finally, on May 30th, 2024, after years of hard work and determination, Astier became a U.S. citizen. It was a victory not just for her, but for everyone who believed in her, and a testament to APILO’s tireless advocacy. Now, she’s dedicated to using her experiences to help others who are struggling. Astier’s story is a powerful reminder that no matter how tough things get, there’s always hope for a brighter future.